New campaign calls on motorists to demand vehicle safety

05 Feb 2007

Media Release - 5 February 2007

The Minister Responsible for the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), Tim Holding, today launched a new public education campaign urging car buyers to demand safety technologies when buying a car.

Focusing on two life-saving technologies – Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and side curtain airbags – the campaign is a strong reminder that innovative safety features can cut the road toll and reduce the level of injury dramatically.

“The TAC’s new campaign urges all car buyers to make safety a priority, and to look for side curtain airbags and ESC when choosing their next car,” Mr Holding said.

“ESC helps drivers maintain control over their vehicle, particularly in emergency situations, and on wet, icy or unmade roads. Side curtain airbags protect occupants in a side impact crash. These technologies are readily available and the safety benefits have been tried, tested and proven.”

Mr Holding said Victoria’s road toll had fallen dramatically over the years and its roads were among the safest in the world.

“Twenty years ago, the annual road toll in Victoria stood at 705 fatalities. Last year that figure had plunged to 337, nine fewer than in 2005, and the second lowest on record,” he said.

“But there’s always more we can do. The value of safety measures should not be underestimated.”

Mr Holding said increasing the proportion of vehicles on the road with crash avoidance and crash protection features would have a significant impact on road trauma in Victoria.

“Between 2000 and 2004, run-off road vehicle crashes accounted for approximately 50 per cent of driver and passenger fatalities in passenger vehicles,” he said. “Over the same period, a third of people killed on our roads died in side impact crashes.”

Mr Holding said this campaign would help consumers make informed decisions when purchasing their next car.

“Recognising that a range of factors influence consumer behaviour – cost chief among them – this campaign aims to help generate consumer demand for safer vehicles, encouraging vehicle manufacturers to provide higher levels of safety in all makes and models,” he said.

Consumers can visit www.howsafeisyourcar.com.au for more information on ESC, curtain airbags and the safety ratings of new and used cars. The campaign’s television advertisements will screen from tonight. Billboards and online advertisements will also support the campaign.

The 2007 road toll currently stands at 27, equal to the same time last year.